Equals

Doremus’s sci-fi romance is set in a futuristic society where human emotion has been genetically eradicated. Everything is antiseptic white, from the Brave New World wardrobe to the sleek, boutique-style architecture. It all feels like living in an iPhone, surrounded by people who are not much more engaging than Siri.

The setting is stifling and Doremus rigidly sticks to that tone even when Nicholas Hoult’s Silas discovers that unlike his peers he gets the fuzzy wuzzies every time Kristen Stewart’s Nia blankly glances his way. There seems to be ample opportunity to have some fun with this scenario, as Silas and Nia figure out how to smile, laugh and have sex together.

Unfortunately those moments are locked up as montage filler in this joyless affair. Doremus seems more enamoured by cool designs and world building, all posing as something visionary as if a few new camera angles and colour filters truly sets this apart from The Giver.

The film wastes its two finest assets: Hoult and Stewart. Both put it in strong performances, discreetly letting emotions slip out through their eyes or a crack in their lips, but we never arrive at a point where their relationship gets to breathe.

Watching these two plot how to hide their connection is great and all, but how about seeing them actually enjoy it?